Several GM models also took a hit. The Buick and Cadillac brands, in particular, appear to have taken a step backward.

While the Chevrolet Cruze small car has been a hit in the marketplace, Champion said it did not do well in the Consumer Reports study.

“It’s been a number of issues. Some electrical issues. Some engine issues. Some body hardware issues.”

The major auto companies watch the Consumer Reports survey closely, because so many car buyers use the publication to make decisions.

Ford says it understands the issues people are having with its vehicles and is working to fix them.

“We were already working on them,” said Ford Spokesman Wes Sherwood. “Now we’re pleased to report that we’re largely back on track, in terms of addressing issues with our technologies, our advanced powertrains.”

The study is based on responses on 1.3 million vehicles owned or leased by Consumer Reports subscribers.

Full reliability history charts and predicted-reliability ratings on hundreds of 2012 models, plus a list of what’s up and what’s down, best and worst models, and a comparison chart of brands can be found online at www.ConsumerReports.org.